Govt will assist Aseem Trivedi if needed: Jaiswal

Union Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal has said that the government was looking into the arrest of popular Mumbai cartoonist Aseem Trivedi, and would provide him with assistance if he needed it.

Speaking to reporters Jaiswal said, "We will check with the authorities to find out what charges Aseem has been held on. We will provide him with assistance if it is required"

Jaiswal speaking to reporters

Trivedi was arrested on charges of sedition for drawing cartoons that allegedly showed Parliament as a commode and depicted the national emblem with wolves instead of lions.

He was then sent to seven days judicial custody by a court in Bandra.

Trivedi's arrest has drawn widespread protest and condemnations from across the spectrum, including Justice Markandey Katju, Press Council of India. Speaking to reporters Justice Katiju said that arresting a cartoonist or any other person who has not committed a crime is itself a crime under the Indian Penal Code as it is a wrongful arrest and wrongful confinement.